Why the Bible was Written

Transcription

1 lesson 1 Introduction The Bible is unique in the world. Its 66 books were written by some forty men from six countries, over a period of approximately sixteen hundred years. These men were separated by time, by distance, by culture and by language; yet the Bible is characterized by unity and harmony. The Bible contains hundreds of predictions (some made many centuries in advance) which have been fulfilled exactly as predicted. Research and discoveries continue to confirm the accuracy of Bible references to matters of history, geography and science. These and other facts are evidence that the writers of the Bible were guided by someone who is far superior to man. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 The Bible claims to be inspired by. Other scriptures to consider: Galatians 1:8-9, 2 John 1:9, Revelation 22:18-19, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 9:15-17 Why was the Bible written? The Creator reveals Himself When we consider the vast, complicated universe, reason tells us that a being more intelligent and more powerful than man designed it and created it. Genesis 1:1 The Bible states that is the creator. In the Bible, God also reveals what he is like and what he wants us to do. Man needs a guide 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Is the Bible a complete and adequate guidebook? Do we need additional revelations to equip us for God s work? V3: page 1 of 8

2 Life s Greatest Questions Answered Through the ages men have sought the answers to these questions: 1) Where did I come from? Genesis 1:27 created man, male and female, in his own. 2) Why am I here? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The most important thing in life is to fear and keep his. 3) Where am I going? Ecclesiastes 12:7 When a person dies his spirit returns to. John 5:28-29 Will both the good and the evil be raised? Matthew 25:31-33 When Christ returns, he will sit on his throne and people from all will be gathered before him. He will put some on his and others on his. Matthew 25:34 To those on his right he will say. Matthew 25:41 To those on his left he will say. Matthew 25:46 Some will go into eternal ; others into eternal. V3: page 2 of 8

3 lesson 2 The Truth Concerning Man s Worst Problem Romans 3:23 How many have sinned?. We sin in thought, in word, and in deed and by failing to do things we should. The average person sins many times a day. If we are better than average and sin only three times a day, we commit more than one thousand sins a year! Think of the sins committed in a lifetime! Romans 1:18 Does God hate wickedness? Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is. Isaiah 59:1-2 Sin creates a separation between man and God. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 Those who do not know God will be punished with everlasting destruction? The Bible reveals that God is perfect, holy and sinless. Because of his nature, it is impossible for him to allow man with the guilt of sin upon him to live in his presence. If sin s guilt is not removed, this separation will continue in eternity. Because God loves us, he wants to forgive us and receive us back into his fellowship. However, his holiness and justice demand a penalty for sin - a penalty far greater than we are able to pay. Man s efforts to save himself are all insufficient. For example, it is impossible for us to earn forgiveness by keeping the Ten Commandments, by living a good life, by doing deeds or by being religious. Is there no hope for us? Is there no solution to this problem? V3: page 3 of 8

4 God s Solution to the Sin Problem Romans 3:20-22 God s righteousness comes through faith in to those who. Romans 5:6-8 God demonstrates his love for us through the death of for us. Romans 5:9 We can be justified (declared free from sin s guilt) by Christ s blood and saved from God s wrath through him. Romans 5:10-11 Guilty sinners who are God s enemies, can be reconciled to God (made God s friends) through the death of his son. Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus knows what its like to be tempted. Jesus, though tempted, never sinned. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, once lived on earth as a man under the law of God. While he was tempted to sin just as we are, he never sinned. He took our guilt upon himself and died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. His death made it possible for God to forgive us and yet maintain his holiness and justice. V3: page 4 of 8

5 lesson 3 Man s Response to God s Plan of Salvation Hebrews 2:9 Jesus died for all yet many will not be saved. Do You Believe that you are saved? If yes, upon what do you base your belief? When? Where? Why? How? Hebrews 5:7-10 Jesus saves those who. John 3:16-18 The requirement stated here is in Jesus, the Son of God. Acts 17:29-31 God commands everyone to. This means to decide to turn from sin and serve God. Romans 10:9-10 Confession of faith in Jesus is a requirement of salvation. Mark 16:15-16 Does Jesus promise salvation BEFORE baptism or AFTER baptism? Additional scriptures to consider: 1 Peter 3:18-22, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:26-27, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:1-4 Apart from Christ we are guilty sinners. Ephesians 1:7 Salvation is in union with Christ. Romans 6:3 Is one in Christ before he is baptized? Is one saved before he is baptized? Romans 6:4 Baptism is a burial. Would sprinkling or pouring water be a burial? V3: page 5 of 8

6 REVIEW: The Bible teaches that in order to be saved, one must Have you done what the Bible teaches must be done to be saved? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Have you repented? If not, are you willing to repent now? Have you been baptized (immersed, buried in water)? If you have been baptized, was it in order to be saved, or did you think you were saved before you were baptized? Since being saved is so important, do you wish to respond now to God s invitation to enter into salvation through Jesus Christ? Or do you have any doubts about your previous experience? V3: page 6 of 8

7 lesson 4 When a person is saved, he or she is in Christ and is a member of Jesus church. Romans 6:3 Those who have been saved have been baptized into Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27 We are baptized by one Spirit into the of Christ. God has a unique purpose for each of us in His body. Colossians 1:18 The body is the. God has a unique purpose for each of us in His church. When one believes in Jesus the Christ, repents of their sin, confesses their faith in Jesus and is baptized into Christ, one is added to his body, Christ s church. Matthew 16:15-18 How many churches did Jesus promise to build? There are many religions, churches and denominations in the world today. Many of them even that claim Jesus Christ have doctrines and practices contrary to the teachings of the Bible. If a person accepts the Bible as THE only authority in religion and does what it requires in order to be saved, what church will they be a member of? Matthew 16:24-25 Will God be happy with being a small part of your life? Matthew 28:18-20 Besides doing what is required by the Bible to enter into Christ and have salvation, we are to continue learning everything that Jesus has commanded. V3: page 7 of 8

8 Can we be sure about our SALVATION? I John 5:13 Does God want us to know we have eternal life? We can know if we are saved by comparing what we have done with what the Bible teaches we must do in order to be in Christ. Do you know that you are saved and that if you die today you will go to heaven? If not, do you want this assurance? What must you do to be saved? We do not know what time we have on earth to decide for Christ. James 4:13-14 Do you know that you will have a future opportunity to obey God and be saved? Remain faithful to Jesus and Walk in the Light. 1 John 1:3-10 Hebrews 6:1-6 Ephesians 2:1-22 V3: page 8 of 8